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Royals Caravan kicks off

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Press Release |

The annual Royals Caravan opens on January 17 and 18 with a pair of trips that will make stops in cities across Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.

Beginning in 1968, the Royals have embarked on the annual Royals Caravan to visit fans throughout the Midwest. This January, several current and former Royals players, broadcasters and front office personnel will join Royals mascot Sluggerrr for Caravan events.

A new feature at Caravan stops in 2013 is a collection through a partnership with the USO chapters of Fort Riley and Missouri. Fans may donate washcloths, individually wrapped toothbrushes, beef jerky, drink packets and pudding cups, which will be distributed to military members serving overseas and returning from duty. Fans can also bring or make hand-written “Thank You” cards for troops at the Caravan stops. Royals Charities will donate $1 to the USO for every card received (up to $10,000).

Both Caravans will start with a visit to The University of Kansas Hospital on Thursday, January 17. One contingent will then trek west into Kansas, making stops in Auburn, Topeka, Manhattan, Salina, and Wichita. The second group will head north to Lincoln and Omaha, Neb., as well as St. Joseph, Mo.

Royals scheduled to appear during the first week include pitchers Aaron Crow, Greg Holland and Everett Teaford, designated hitter Billy Butler, first baseman Eric Hosmer and second baseman Johnny Giavotella. Royals Hall of Famers John Mayberry and Willie Wilson are also scheduled to participate along with broadcasters Joel Goldberg and Ryan Lefebvre.

Following the trips, the club will host Royals FanFest, presented by Sprint and Teva Neuroscience, on Saturday, January 19 at the Overland Park Convention Center in Overland Park, Kan. The marquee offseason event will feature more autograph opportunities than ever before, with continuous autograph sessions with current and former players and club personalities planned throughout the day. Additional highlights include select interactive games for kids and roundtable discussions with players and front office executives.

A schedule of Caravan events for January 17 and 18 is listed below and also available at www.royals.com/caravan. The Royals Caravan will continue on January 20-22 and an announcement with the schedule and participants will be released later this week.